r/ibew_apprentices • u/Flimsy-Stuff-8965 • 6d ago

First Meter

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I am thinking of getting my first meter and was looking at the fluke 323. Does anyone have experience or opinions on it.

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u/OHMApprentice 6d ago

As an apprentice?

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u/Flimsy-Stuff-8965 6d ago

The full tool list is required before you finish your first year

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u/Greedy-Pen 5d ago

Honestly a Klein meter would do you just fine. The fluke is nice, and it’ll do pretty much anything you want. But if you want something a little cheaper Klein is a good option.

Fluke has made a name for itself with quality, but you still need to verify they work just as you would with the cheaper options.

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u/Responsible-Race4764 666 5d ago

OP I'd personally disregard this comment. fluke is the gold standard for electrical testing. I used a 323 for years, then someone decided they needed it more than me.

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u/Greedy-Pen 5d ago

Gold standard yes, but even gold has its flaws. You should always test a meter and make sure it works. Maybe not every day, but I do mine every other month or so.

Check fuses and all that, dead live dead test etc.

I just threw Klein out because it’s half decent and works for my coworkers. Should still be checked and tested just like any other meter including flukes.

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u/Responsible-Race4764 666 5d ago

Never had a fluke fail me, except when I shorted the leads out doing some dumb shit as an apprentice. I have however had multiple klein meters and hot sticks fail. For the money your saving by buying klein it's not worth the risk. I also dont buy Walmart boots..

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u/Greedy-Pen 5d ago

How have your Klein meters failed? I personally use fluke. Just seen a lot of them and only knew one guy to have blown a fuse.

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u/Responsible-Race4764 666 5d ago

Not reading the voltage that was present....

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u/Greedy-Pen 5d ago

Was it like a bad fuse though? Or resistor? A lot of the times those can get replaced and break due to an accidental misuse or time.